St. Cloud State students voted to increase their athletic fee by 26 cents per credit.

The fee boost will offset increases in ticket prices, guaranteeing students will need only a St. Cloud State student ID to enter most Husky Athletics events.

The Nov. 30-Dec. 2 Student Government Association (SGA) voting drew 1,696 voters, of whom 1,239 voted for the increase and 425 voted against. The remaining ballots were reported as "no answer," according to Matt Trombley, director of student organizations and leadership development.

“I have never seen voter interest this high,” said Michael Jamnick, SGA president and a five-year student government veteran. “I’m hoping that we’ll have an even higher turnout for our spring elections.”

The fee increase, which is effective fall 2010, is applied to a maximum of 12 credits.

SGA promotes student interests by providing funding for student organizations, allocating fees collected by the University, addressing issues related to the student body and representing students at the state level through the Minnesota State University Student Association.